Indiana's Defense Needs to Be Held to A Higher Standard

The Hoosiers ranked near the bottom in every major defensive statistical category. Will something change in 2016? Image: Cam Koenig HoosierHuddle.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

On Wednesday afternoon Indiana Hoosier head coach Kevin Wilson spoke to reporters about his new contract as well as some other areas of concern that need to be addressed in the "off"-season. One of those areas, and probably the most pressing issue, is the state of the IU defense.

The numbers speak for themselves and they say that for the most part the Hoosiers had one of the worst defenses in the 128 team FBS. They ranked 117th in scoring allowing 37.6 points per game, 121st in total defense surrendering 509.5 yards per game, 96th in rushing defense (195.69 YPG), and 127th in pass defense allowing a ridiculous 313.8 YPG through the air.

As of Wednesday afternoon no defensive staff changes had been announced and it becomes less likely that there will be a change the closer we move to National Signing Day on Feb. 3. However, Wilson had a strong message for his defensive staff and the players on that side of the ball.

"I still have a concern more with the culture than schemes, because I think there is a culture where one side (offense), the way they practice, prepare, and play. It is just a bit more consistent."

Consistency, there is that word again. The Hoosiers played well in spurts, especially in the third quarter of most of their games in 2015, but were unable to put together four quarters of consistently good defense.

"Those coaches and I have got to set a standard that's more consistent over there. That is the only concern I have defensively." Wilson added. His goal this winter and spring is to "continue to enhance a complete, competitive team culture."

Challenging the defensive side of the ball to catch with the offense may be easier said than done as the Hoosiers lose their entire starting front four, including defensive tackle Darius Latham who declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month.

Changing the culture begins with recruiting and that is what the Hoosier staff has to focus on the next few weeks before signing day. Getting players that fit the program should help boost the effectiveness of the defensive. But for right now the goal is to get this defense to start getting consistently better over winter workouts and spring practice.